Mechanical Properties of Diseased Veins

Extensive research exists on arterial mechanical properties and how they change in disease conditions, but substantially less is known about venous mechanics in healthy and disease states. Although the mechanics of both vessel types are determined by the unique layered composition of the vessel wall, the precise distribution of the layers differs greatly between arteries and veins. Thus, vein mechanics must be analyzed and understood independently from those of arteries. This review discusses the compositional attributes that are unique to veins, how these attributes contribute to venous mechanics, and the alterations that occur to both composition and material properties during venous thrombosis and insufficiency. In general, changes to the venous wall during thrombosis increase wall stiffness and decrease extensibility. During venous insufficiency, however, both the stiffness and the extensibility of the venous wall decrease. Characterizing these changes is essential to better understand disease progression and build vein-specific devices for treating venous disease.